Brigade celebrates 40 years

The Bays Rural Fire Brigade will celebrate its 40th anniversary with an open station on September 16.

The day will include activities for children, information on fire protection readiness for the coming fire season and a barbecue.

"We welcome all our neighbours and the community to the station located at the corner of Woy Woy Rd and Wattle Crescent, Phegans Bay," said senior deputy captain Mr Chris Francis.

Mr Francis also provided some history of the 40 years the brigade has been operating.

"Although the brigade came into existence in 1966, it only purchased its first fire tanker in 1967," Mr Francis said.

"This was kept at the Phegans Bay Post Office as there was no station, and members raised funds to purchase the necessary equipment for fire fighting.

"The tanker was then kept at T Brown's property until a fire shed was built in 1976 at its present location."

Mr Francis said the station remained as a single bay with one tanker until the members built an addition in 1986 which consisted of a kitchen area, toilet and a second bay area that was used for training.

"In 1996, the next addition with a training room and office was completed," Mr Francis said.

"This gave the members a proper area for training, as it was a requirement that all fire fighters obtain qualifications before working on the fire ground.

"In 2000 interior modifications were made to accommodate the newly acquired Cat 7 tanker.

"Presently, plans are being made for further modification to raise the roof level so the latest model of tanker will be able to fit into the station."

Mr Francis said the brigade had two tankers including a Cat 1, a large fire-fighting tanker which carried 3000 litres of water, and a dual cab Cat 7, a smaller more mobile tanker.

"Prior to 1994, the brigade's tankers were reconditioned used Bedfords," Mr Francis said.

"In December 1990, the old Bedford tanker overturned on its way to a fire at Pearl Beach and seven members were injured, with one hospitalised.

"The fire destroyed the tanker.

"In 1994, the brigade took delivery of one of the latest tankers, built on the Isuzu frame, and significantly more comfortable than the Bedford.

"Recently, the Isuzu (Cat 1) has been replaced with a later model from another brigade, and in 2000 we received a second smaller tanker, the Cat 7, in recognition of our commitment to fire fighting and high membership.

"An upgrade of the Cat 7 has taken place and so we now have a dual cab Cat 7, which means that six members can go out on it rather than three."

Mr Francis also thanked the community for its generous donations to date.

"The brigade has been able to exist through the generous donations of the public, and our community," Mr Francis said.

"After the recent January 1 fires, the brigade received many donations from local families and neighbours, including a large donation from the local community group, and from Woy Woy Meals on Wheels.

"Throughout its history, the brigade has had to purchase many things with its funds including its first tanker, various fire fighting equipment, fire ground radios, overalls, helmets and maps.

"Fortunately, now most of the more expensive items, including tankers, are supplied through the Gosford District of the NSW Rural Fire Service."

Mr Francis said that fluctuating membership had been a problem since the brigade was founded.

"However, there always seems to be a core of individuals that manage to keep the brigade functioning," Mr Francis said.

"The brigade has members with experience that range from less than one year to more than 23 years of fire-fighting.

"Regular weekly training takes place to keep our skills to an acceptable level as well as maintaining the equipment.

"The brigade not only attends bush fires, we also respond to motor vehicle accidents and structural fires.

"With the summer quickly approaching, the brigade will be preparing itself for the fire season."

Anyone is interested in joining the brigade may attend the open day or phone 4342 3584.

Press release, August 27 Chris Francis, The Bays Rural Fire Brigade